Four Years Sisterlocks Anniversary Notes

Yes, my Four years Loc-versary is here! Many have asked me questions over the months about my locs - I think that I have some better answers.

Tip #1:  Adding oils while the locs are wet will not weigh them down, but it may slow drying time.

Tip #2: Allow four days after shampooing for the locs to fluff back up.  I see a lot more volume days after my shampoos. I mainly shampoo when too many people start asking me about my loc maintenance schedule.  That is usually my sign that the sweat and pollutants from the air have started to weigh it down.

Tip #3:  Over the years, I have doubled locs that have thinned out so I have what I consider tree branching in my locs.  I have not lost any locs.  I simply combine locs that need combining.  I try not to make a habit of it.  Most of my tree branches are around the hairline along with my temperamental patch of hair in the back of my head. I believe the tree branching is what makes the longer Sisterlocks look so full at the bottom versus their roots.

On a separate note, I am seeing more and more gray hair at my roots, but I am very hesitant to color my locs.  Many people enter into the haircoloring decision so easily, but I know that my hair is different from  most people so I really want to determine if that is a good idea or not for me surrounding the health of my locs. Although, some still mistake some of my gray hair for lint, I just don't worry about it anymore.

When is it Time to Cut Two Inches Off?

 This roller set client has been with me for almost three years.  We do NOT trim on a regular a basis because we rarely use hot irons.

But at a closer look, she had about two or three inches of hair that was inhibiting maximum styling ease.  A haircut can deliver more fullness and volume and body.

My client gets relaxer touch-ups around every eight weeks.  We use the VitalePro High Comfort Relaxer.  We do NOT trim at every relaxer, and it still grows.  As long as wet sets such as lacer sets, bantu knot sets, and roller sets are used in lieu of thermal/hot irons, haircuts are not needed as often.

If you like fresh, sassy styling then regular trims are necessary. I hope this article helps those worried about the frequency of trims and haircuts.

SuperBowl Sexy Microlocks

The Superbowl 2014 was a blowout this year (43 Seahawks to 8 Broncos), but I felt like a "touchdown" with my bob.

No hydration spray.  I now only use my hydration spray when I need to manipulate my microlocks into an updo. Less moisture to the roots allows my volume from my new growth to give me a thicker look.  I still have a lot of movement in my ends when I shake my head or the wind blows. I have to a laugh because everyone likes their hair to blow in the wind even with microlocks.

It has been four weeks since I last finger twisted my entire head.   I think that I will wait a few more weeks to retighten again.   I had been using the updo styling  in previous weeks to achieve more volume and thickness which I may go back to after I finger twist/retighten again, but for now, less manipulation is more.

 So far, the length of my hair is starting to feel edgy and chic.

Dreadlocks: Finger Twisting versus Interlocking

 I decided to experiment on some bulk kinky hair extensions in order to figure out the difference between the finger twisting/palm rolling method and the interlocking method for dreadlocks.

So both methods elongate the curl patterns; however, finger twisting seems to allow for the maximum amount of volume.  The interlocking method allows for versatility.  In the picture, I did not use even tension as I interlocked so it is a loose and tight interlocking pattern up and down the right sample lock.  This picture does show that depending on the locking pattern, the curl pattern can be subdued or allowed to volumize.

So when a client mentioned to me that her hair was too thick for locks, I now have learned from taking this last Sisterlocks training class, that I can use the Reverse 4 pattern to subdue volume or use the Double 3 pattern to prevent Sisterlocks from looking too stringy.

I am also thinking about having some of my locks interlocked again.  Why?  If you remember in a previous article this past month, I realized that I do have two different textures of hair on my head.  The tighter coiled texture does really well with finger twisting.  It holds great.  However, I have some locks that will not stay twisted.  A few of those locks, I started hand interlocking because of the new growth that unwinded.  I am about ready to partner with a loctician that can help me with the interlocking.  There are locticians that will twist and interlock within the same head based on whether or not the lock needs interlocking or not.  I think that I am ready for this level of advanced loctician skill.  I will keep everyone posted.